Cilic star attraction in 22nd edition of Chennai Open

Chennai, Nov 23 (IANS) World No.6 Marin Cilic will be the main attraction once again when international stars fight for top honours in the 22nd edition of the upcoming Chennai Open tennis tournament.

The international stars include four from Spain, three from Russia, two each from Brazil and Croatia.

World No.14 Roberto Agut (Spain), No.27 Albert Ramos-Vinolas (Spain), No.35 Martin Klizan (Slovakia) and No.48 Borna Coric (Croatia) will add to the star power of the annual event to be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium.

Former top 10 players Tommy Robredo (Spain) and Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) will also be returning to India, the former after 12 years and the latter after two years, threatening to give the top seeds a run for their money.

Robredo, who had gone as high as World No.5 in 2006, has won 10 Association of Tennis Professional (ATP) singles titles and starred in Spain's Davis Cup winning teams thrice.

The first and only time he played in Chennai in 2004, he teamed up with 14-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal to win the doubles title. He is currently ranked No.57.

"This is an impressive lineup," Chennai Open's Tournament Director Tom Annear said in a release.

"Tennis fans in India can expect high quality tennis this year."

India's campaign will be headed by local hero and wild card entrant Ramkumar Ramanathan.

The 22-year-old rose to prominence in 2014 when he toppled Somdev Devvarman in the opening round of the 2014 Chennai Open. He has been a national champion and has been member of India's Davis Cup team as well.

"We have great faith in Ram," Tamil Nadu Tennis Association president M.A. Alagappan said. "We believe he will go a long way in world tennis. Moreover, India's fans love him and will give him all the support that he needs."